From 20 to 28 March 2026, Movies that Matter will celebrate its 20th anniversary in The Hague. For two decades, thefestival has demonstrated how film can spark meaningful conversations about human rights and social justice. Thisspecial anniversary edition will present more than 90 feature films, documentaries and shorts, alongside in-depthdiscussions with filmmakers and activists, exhibitions, and a wide range of public events.
The programme is structured around eight competitions and eight thematic strands. In the Grand Jury Documentarycompetition, the winning film will be eligible for an Oscar® nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film. The line-up alsoincludes Dutch Focus, spotlighting Dutch feature films and documentaries. In addition, films are grouped around themessuch as freedom, power dynamics, love, and the relationship between people and the planet.
Cinematic Highlights
The opening film, American Doctor, follows three American physicians of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrianbackgrounds as they travel to Gaza to save lives, while back home attempting to influence political leaders to bring the warto an end. The documentary previously screened at the Sundance Film Festival and has been selected for the Grand JuryDocumentary competition.
The film Truly Naked explores the complex relationship between a teenager and his father and recently had its worldpremiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The film will premiere in TheNetherlands at Movies that Matter in the Dutch Focus category.
The Activist Lens competition presents documentaries about the work of remarkable activists from around the world.Amongst them is Kikuyu Land, in which Kenyan journalist Bea Wangondu investigates injustice and land disputessurrounding the tea plantations in her native Kikuyu. As her investigation becomes increasingly personal, she uncovers long-buried histories.
More Than Film
Beyond the film programme, the festival offers space for reflection and connection. At Theater aan het Spui, the pop-upexhibition Woman, Life, Freedom will explore the Iranian women’s resistance movement. As part of a programmeexamining the colonial past, a Hague-based creative duo will present the VR installation Revival Roadshow. On Sunday 22March, the festival will host a speed-dating afternoon under the title Meet me at the Bingo, followed by a shared film screening.
Tickets and more
Ticket sales begin on Thursday 5 March 2026. The festival hub will be located at Theater aan het Spui and Filmhuis DenHaag, with screenings and events taking place at various venues across the city. The full programme and further ticketinformation can be found on the festival website.